What is the chelating agent in laundry detergent

Chelating agents in laundry detergent are mainly chemicals used to control hardness ions (such as calcium, magnesium, etc.) in water and help remove stains, commonly referred to as "softeners". They can combine with hardness ions in water to prevent the formation of scale and precipitation, while also making the fabric softer and easier to iron.

In laundry detergent, the commonly used chelating agent is EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) or its sodium salt. The chemical structure of EDTA contains 4 carboxyl groups and 2 amino groups, which enables it to form relatively stable complexes with metal ions and prevent them from having adverse effects on clothing and washing machines. In addition, EDTA can also assist in removing mineral and oil stains on the surface of clothing during the washing process, improving the washing effect.

It should be noted that although EDTA plays a good role in laundry detergent, it will continue to have potential impacts on the environment as wastewater is discharged into the water. Therefore, when selecting and using laundry detergent, it is advisable to choose products with low environmental risks and follow relevant usage and disposal guidelines to reduce their impact on the environment.